Laura Ruth Kauffman

Laura Ruth Kauffman (Brigaman), 68, passed away on December 11, 2025, after a brave two-year battle with cancer. While our hearts are heavy, we’re comforted knowing she is now free from its grip and catching up with loved ones who have been waiting to welcome her to her heavenly home.

Born on May 14, 1957, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Glenn and Nancy Brigaman, Laura grew up with the chaos of younger brothers, often saying it prepared her perfectly for having sons of her own. She graduated from McDowell High School in 1975 and earned her degree in Social Services from Edinboro University. Laura devoted nearly a decade to serving children as a social worker, then a counselor at Albion prison. She later worked at John V. Shultz until her retirement in 2022.

Books, vintage treasures, thrifting and shopping brought Laura delight, yet her family was her greatest love. Her three sons were the source of her joy, and becoming a grandma brought her immense happiness. She was endlessly proud of the men her sons became and watching them step into fatherhood gave her some of life’s sweetest, most treasured moments.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Nancy Brigaman. She is survived by her longtime boyfriend and partner in heaven Rick Pompey, sons: Ryan (Katy) Heisler, Jeffery (Shannon) Heisler, and Michael Heisler, all of Erie, PA, her beloved grandchildren: Caleb, Claire, Bronwyn, Delilah, Lucy, Miles, Maddox, Kailey, Arya, Draven, and Maverick; her brothers; Kevin (Kate) Brigaman and Kurt (Jo Ann) Brigaman; her nephew and three nieces, and her closest friends: Wendy Gentile-McCullough, Dawn Sokol and Lori Fullerton Marc.

Her warmth, wisdom, and love leave a lasting imprint on all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Presque Isle Light Station. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 4 pm until the time of the funeral service at 7 pm. Private interment.